Kaskaskia, Ottawa and Illinois Canyons, Council Overhang 03-30-2017

We left the lobby of the Lodge and carpooled to Ottawa /Kaskaskia Canyon parking area and we hiked in from there. The trails were muddy, but the waterfalls were unbelievable.When we started hiking it was just a drizzle.  When we finished it was pouring down rain.  But seeing the waterfalls like this was amazing. Today we had 13 walkers.

Waterfalls everywhere!

There is an area right off of the parking lot that we call the Wedding Cove.  We bring many bridal parties here for photos.  It gives them the illusion that they are in a canyon.  Not very often is there a waterfall here. 

The trail today was a little on the muddy side (ok, so it was alot muddy)

Prairie Trillium will be blooming soon.

Walking up to Council Overhang

Looking out from Council Overhang

Handy plank across the stream coming out of Council Overhang

False Rue Anemone.  There was lots of this today.

After Council Overhang we went into Kaskaskia Canyon. This is a bonus waterfall on the way into the canyon

Swollen Kaskaskia Creek

Kaskaskia Canyon waterfall (main one is on the left and the bonus is on the right)

Hillside of Trout Lilies

Nice bouquet of Hepatica

Ottawa Canyon and a bonus waterfall

Sideview showing the power of Ottawa Canyon

Most hikers wore knee high boots. (Cocoa was exempt)

The boot is looking good

I was surprised to see this Dutchman's Breeches looking so good.

More Dutchman's Breeches.

 Once we left Ottawa / Kaskaskia Canyon parking area, we drove the very short distance to Illinois Canyon parking lot. Once here we walked in.  Some went all the way in, some stopped at the first stream. 

Virginia Bluebells in Illinois Canyon seem to be a little ahead of schedule

Virginia Bluebells

Bonus Waterfall in Illinois Canyon

The trail turned into a small stream

Once we crossed this steam, there was another bonus waterfall

Closer photo of the bonus waterfall

Recognize this tree?  Yet another bonus waterfall in Illinois Canyon. Love this waterfall!  From this point, if you look to your left the real Illinois Canyon waterfall is there.

It is still a little on the small side (height wise)  but today it has width.  Notice the bonus stream to the right.

I will leave you with this: By perseverance, the snail reached the ark!